Historic Hikes Around Knoxville

Hiker walking up a hill

It’s no secret that Knoxville is surrounded by history. Founded in the late 1800s as Tennessee’s first capital city, the city of Knoxville played a huge role in the Civil War. History lovers in Knoxville, you will want to explore these seven historic hikes!

Fort Dickerson Park

Built in 1863, Fort Dickerson is one of the most accessible historic trails in Knoxville. Located on the Tennessee River just moments away from downtown, you can find replica Civil War-era cannons and educational signs throughout the area!

Marble Springs State Historic Site

The home and land of Tennessee’s first governor, John Sevier, is open to the public! The trails around the land are free for anyone to walk. You can also take a tour of the historic home for a small fee. If you want to see what life was like in the 19th century, the trails at Marble Springs are definitely worth checking out!

Andrews Ridge Trail

Every step taken at Andrews Ridge Trail is filled with history. You can find this trail beside the Lenoir Museum, which contains Southern Appalachian artifacts from all ages. You can also venture to the Norris Dam and see the history from the Great Depression-era and how the dam was built!

Cumberland Gap National Historical Park

The Cumberland Gap was occupied by Native Americans before early American settlers made their way through the mountains. In 1940 the National park was established, and now you can hike over 80 miles of trails within the park. During your hike, you can see the 20th-century Hensley Settlement as well as old cannons and old buildings from other former residents.

Porters Creek Trail

A four-mile hike may sound like some work, but Porters Creek Trail is worth every step! The trail is located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and there are many historic pointers along the way.

Old Settlers Trail

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has tons of historic sites, and Old Settlers Trail happens to be surrounded by them. Get your hiking shoes and cameras ready! The nine-mile hike takes you to the Tyson McCarter Place, a home that used to be occupied in the early 1900s.

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Cades Cove Historic District

Take a step back in time when you visit Cades Cove Historic District. Cades Cove is on the National Register of Historic Places due to all the historic buildings in the area. When you visit, you’ll see old churches, barns, houses, a grist mill, and many restored buildings. You will be able to see what mountain life was like in the early 19th century when you visit the cove!

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